The original flag was introduced on Sept. 7, 1822, when Dom Pedro declared independence from Portugal. In 1889 the blue disk and the motto Ordem e Progresso ("Order and Progress") were added. The Brazilian states and territories are symbolized by the constellations of stars. Green is for the land, yellow for gold and other mineral wealth.

Brazil Official name: República Federativa do Brasil (Federative Republic of Brazil). Form of government: multiparty federal republic with 2 legislative houses (Senate [81]; Chamber of Deputies [513]). Chief of state and government: President. Population (1998): 161,766,000. Population projection: (2000) 165,561,000; (2010) 181,918,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): 11.6 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$709,591,000,000 (U.S.$4,400 per capita). Land use (1994): forested 57.7%; meadows and pastures 21.9%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 6.0%; other 14.4%.

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